Glenleighden News5th May 2020

Lest we forget

PRINCIPALJAN MOREY

Dear families,

“We will remember them.”

Even though we could not partake in the usual ANZAC Dayproceedings, Australians took part in a very special commemoration.At Dawn, families stood in their driveways to remember those whohave lost their lives in times of war. Members of our community alsotook part. Our students made mementos to commemorate the ANZACs.There were some very meaningful creations, and these are featuredlater in this publication. Well done everyone. My pick was the legodisplay by Orion.

“Let each day begin and end with gratitude and joy.” - Anonymous

Our world is changing daily. There have been many innovative waysto keep everyone connected. Our students are using technology tostay connected with their friends. Junior and Middle School studentshave been holding their own Zoom play dates, while Senior Schoolstudents have communicated via electronic games. Society hascreated special days which I’m sure are here to stay. One suchinitiative is “Thank You Thursday”. Last Thursday our Chaplain,Jilanna, organised a special Thank You cake for staff. We were veryspoilt! We thank Fuel Christian Church for their kind donation and ourvery own Makenzie(School Assistant) from Makenzie’s Cake Co.

TABLE OFCONTENTS

C h a p l a i n c y N e w s

W e l l b e i n g T e a m

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A w a r d s & U p c o m i n g

E v e n t s

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A N Z A C D a y

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1300 881 763school@salda.org.au

@TheGlenleighdenSchool

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 V O L . I

an online safety kit for parents and carers, andan online safety booklet for parents and carers.

Assembly on Wednesday was replaced the ‘Principal’s Pop In’. Each morning Ipopped into Zoomed Pastoral Care (PC) sessions to say hello, spread somebirthday cheer and give awards. I wish to acknowledge the great efforts thatstudents, and their families, have made while engaging in the GlenleighdenLearning From Home (LFH) program. Each student will receive a special awardin the LFH pack which is due for collection on Friday 1st May. I also thank stafffor their dedication and hard work in ensuring our students can continue to learn. Last year was Glenleighden’s 40th birthday. Our 2019 cohort of students andstaff decorated fabric squares with memories of 2019. Our talented librarian,Minna, has stitched the squares together to form a colourful wall hanging whichnow takes its place in the school office. Call by and see this lovely memento ofour school’s special year. Well done everyone.

“Together we will bounce back stronger.”

COVID-19 has changed the world in which we live. What was normal is now notso. In this publication, our Well Being team has compiled some tips to helpfamilies in these unusual times. We are all in this together. Children are online more than ever this year. Parents are strongly encouraged togo to eSafety.gov.au for specific advice regarding COVID-19 including

The school has implemented protocols and hygiene measures to help keepthose on-site safe. We now have a touchless thermometer which is being usedeach morning as students of essential workers arrive for the day. The NationalCabinet has approved changes to the AHPPC guidelines for schools whichmeans that schools do not have to keep children 1.5 metres apart. However,where possible, we continue to practise social distancing. Our student drop offand pick up routines are currently under review. Please continue to check youremails for updates in our school environment. Stay safe.Kind regards,Jan 3

We asked  the students during PC time what are some of the positives about learning

from home.

Early Childhood said:

- "I like painting."- "I get to play."

- "I like to play lego."Junior School said:

- "I like doing online work."

- "I like learning from home because I likemy new desk."

- "I like doing my school work. I like theBugs Club."

Middle School said:

- "I love getting out of bed late."- "At home I get to eat chocolate."

- "Most of the time its better than the holidays but notas good as being with us all at school."

- "I like to show the class my lego."- "I wish I was at school but I am enjoying the Zoom

play dates."- "I get to wear my pyjamas when I do my school work."

Senior School said:

- "Its good to learn how to do onlinelearning."

- "Doing work with parents."- "Spending more time with pets."

- "Watching Ash (our IT expert) usingremote access to fix computers."

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 V O L . I

Hi everyone and welcome to a very unique Term 2.   At this time, families will be experiencing many thoughts andemotions.  We acknowledge that additional stressors will beplaced upon families due to possible unemployment, illness,confinement, and the adjustment of learning from home.  It’s easy to let negative thoughts and emotions creep in duringstressful situations, which is normal for all of us.  Practisinggratitude is a great way to combat these feelings, step back andremember that even amid trials, we can be thankful for the littlethings.   This week, I have attached a gratitude scavenger hunt for thekids to enjoy.  Remember, it is to be done outdoors in your yardor garden!  If you find something special, make sure and take aphoto or share with your classmates next time you’re onlinewith your teacher. Craft Idea I run Craft Club every Tuesday at school, but since school is alittle different at the moment, I thought we’d stick with ourgratitude theme and that I’d share my craft activity with youhere:

CHAPLAINJilanna Craig

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Supplies:   white craft paper, colored pencils, scissors

Instructions: Start by tracing a circle onto sturdy paper, like card stock or watercolor

paper. Then, starting in the center, draw a spiral to fill the circle. No need for perfection here

– a freehand spiral will work just fine! Go ahead and cut out your circle, but don’t cut on your

spiral lines yet.

Thankfulness Wind Spinners

Once you have filled the

spiral with words or

pictures, flip it over and

decorate the back.

Now it’s time to carefully

cut along the spiral lines.

The last step is to add

some yarn or string for

hanging your

spiral. Punch a small hole

in the center of the spiral,

thread your yarn through,

and tie a knot on the back.

Step 1

Write or draw all the

things you are thankful for

inside the spiral.

Step 3

Step 2

Step 4

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You’re ready to hang your wind spinner and watch your

words or pictures of gratitude spin in the breeze!  Happy

crafting!  You can find the full instructions here:

https://www.makeandtakes.com/thankful-wind-spinners

If I can be of encouragement, please know that as the

school Chaplain I am here for you and your family. If you

need to chat or require practical support, please don’t

hesitate to contact me.

 

My hope is that, along with the wellbeing team and school

staff, we can bring you and your family some calm, some

stability and support in these uncertain times.

 

 

Jilanna Craig – Chaplain - Tuesdays

E: jilanna.craig@salda.org.au

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Young children – Use terms that your child is already familiar with and keep it simple. For example,

“there is an illness going around that is a bit like the flu. Most people don’t get it too badly but we need

to help everyone stay safe by washing our hands, not touching our faces and not getting too close to

others”.

Tweens – Call it what it is and describe it as being similar to the flu. Let them know that there are daily

practices we should all be undertaking to help reduce the spread and you can let them know that

scientists are working hard to develop a vaccine.

 Teens – Teenagers may have heard all sorts of things on social media so ensuring that they know the

facts is important. Don’t feel you have to update them every time there is a new development but just

ensuring them with consistent messages is important.

Support for Parents and Children During the Coronavirus Life as we know it has changed and it is uncertain when normality will start to return. The changes have

happened quickly and it is easy to find ourselves feeling anxious and unsure of how to cope. On top of

your own wellbeing you might be trying to talk to your child about the coronavirus, work from home and

do home schooling! That certainly sounds very stressful. However, there are a few practices that your

family could undertake (and possible already are) which can help relieve your anxiety and which will help

bring back some normality into your lives.

 Talking to Children and Young People about the CoronavirusIt’s important to always start by asking your child about what they already know. They may have heard

bits of information from others around them but may only have partial facts so could still be confused. It’s

also important to talk honestly and openly. There is a general misconception that talking about difficult

topics is taboo with children, however research indicates that when children are not appropriately

informed, this can cause more anxiety for them as they may construe what they do know and may make

up information. Answering their questions openly and calmly will help to reassure them and make them

feel safe.         

 

 

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Be Aware of Your Own BehaviourIt is important to understand the impact that we as adults can have on our own children. Children arevery aware of what mood their parents may be in and can pick up those same vibes. So if you are fearfulor upset on a regular basis your children may learn these behaviours from you. Try to remain calm andwhen communicating with your child converse in a calm relaxed tone. This will help teach your child thatalthough life may be different at the moment, they are still okay and the world is still a good place.

Other tips are as follows:

Turn the TV offConstantly hearing negative news is not helpful for anyone. It can be a source of anxiety and stress.Listen to the news in small amounts but then turn the TV off and refocus on your family life. This will helpmaintain stability and a better quality of life.

Establish a RoutineWith many people being at home all day, everyday it is easy to lose track of time and sleep and eatingpatterns can change for the worse. Try to stick to a regular routine of getting up and going to bed atroughly the same time. Eat small meals across the day at your usual break times and it is important toschedule in reward time or pleasant activities at the end of your working or home schooling day.

 

Exercise RegularlyScreen time for everyone has most likely risen with all the time people are spending at home soremember to exercise regularly. Even if it’s just in the back yard simple activities such as playing hide andseek or tiggy with the kids can be helpful in improving mood. Otherwise, family bike rides or walks areanother good idea.

 

Connect with OthersRemember to keep in touch via phone calls, emails or any other means of communication you are familiarwith. Even a face to face chat with the neighbour at a safe distance can be helpful in hearing howsomeone else is going.

 

Practice GratitudeIn times like these it is easy to have a negative outlook and feel that it is all doom and gloom. But itshouldn’t take much to realise that there is still a lot of good in the world and in your life. Practicinggratitude will help maintain a positive focus. You can practice gratitude as a family at the dinner table bydiscussing the good things that happened that day. Or you might like to do it in private by writing in ajournal at the beginning or end of each day. Just writing a couple of statements about the good things inyour life and world, should be enough.  Further information can be found via the following links/phone numbers: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au or 1800 512 348.https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/information-for/parents-and-childrenhttps://www.lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14

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Birthdays

Zachary SEmma DWillow W

Roman F RJaxon BElijah LJames SXavier TRhys J

Gabriel F

UPCOMING EVENTS

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The Qld Premier and Minister for Education announced yesterday thesteps allowing Queensland children to return to school. From Monday 11th May: Kindy, Prep, Year 1 and Years 11 and 12return to school (i.e. our Early Childhood and Upper Senior School) Friday 15th May: Assess state-wide response to easing of restrictions Monday 25th May: Proposed re-opening to remaining students inremaining grades  A letter outlining this proposal will be sent to families today.Planning for such returns is underway and details will be forwardedduring the week.

School Language LegendsAwards!

All Students received a special award this week for all their hard work Learning from Home.

Well Done Everyone!

STOP PRESS!